Marumo Gallants boss Ronnie Kananelo insists Otladisa dispute is behind them

Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kananelo says there is no lasting tension between him and Katlego Otladisa after their on-field disagreement attracted attention on social media.

The relationship between the coach and winger came under scrutiny during Gallants’ Betway Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium about a fortnight ago.

Otladisa was substituted after just 22 minutes and appeared visibly frustrated on the bench, gesticulating angrily after being taken off. Orlando Pirates went on to win 2-0 and claim maximum points.

Kananelo said the incident was a football matter rather than a personal dispute, and confirmed that he and Otladisa had since discussed what happened.

“It’s all about tactical operation and the tactical effectiveness,” Kananelo said at Wednesday’s Carling Knockout Last 16 draw in Fourways, Johannesburg.

“If you have a job to do on the field and you don’t do that, then it means the effectiveness will not be there, which affects the tactical approach.

“Talking about relationship, he has got a job to do, I have got a job to do. The environment is good. We spoke, his reaction is good.”

The coach acknowledged that players are rarely happy to be substituted, regardless of their performance, but said his decisions were based on what each player contributed to the team’s tactical plan.

“No player wants to be substituted whether he is playing well or not, but at the end of the day, I only look at the player, what he brings to the team and what we ask from the player,” he added.

“If that does not happen, it affects other players in the team. If you don’t fulfil the tactical approach, obviously there will be a reaction from the technical team.

“It’s a football issue, it doesn’t have to do with Otladisa as a person but Otladisa not doing the job for the team – that’s it. It’s nothing more, nothing less.”

Kananelo and Otladisa have now moved on from the incident and are continuing to work together at the Limpopo-based club.

Marumo Gallants’ next match is against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.